While your locks and keys may not be the most expensive pieces of hardware in your home, they certainly can be some of the most important. It’s very frustrating to try to unlock your exterior door, with an armload of groceries and have to fight with the door lock. Here are some tips for taking care of your locks and keys to help keep them easy to use and extend the life of the hardware.
Some of the problems with locks are: The key will not turn, the key will turn, but the lock does not operate, and the key turns, but only with substantial effort. The causes of these common lock problems vary, but in each case the solution to fix your lock is simple.
If your key will not turn at all, it may not have been cut properly. Test the lock with the original key. If this key will operate the lock, return the faulty key to the locksmith who you purchased it from. If subsequent keys still will not work in the lock, it is time to find a different locksmith.
If you have a key that will turn a lock, but the lock will not operate, the lock mechanism inside is broken. It is possible to remove the lock yourself and replace it. You can also hire a NYC locksmith for this if you wish. Having your lock replaced by a professional should ensure it is done correctly and this is one household repair you don’t want to mess up. If you are not careful, you may end up replacing the door and the door jamb as well.
If operating your locks requires super human strength, it is time to lubricate the lock internally. Silicone spray or graphite powder can be inserted into the lock through the keyway. Work the lubricant into the lock by turning the key and the lock repeatedly or using the thumb lever to operate the lock repeatedly. If this does not solve the problem, the lock mechanism inside may be damaged. Contact a locksmith to correct this problem.
If your key has broken off inside the lock itself, try using a bobby pin to slowly work the remaining piece of the key out. If this is unsuccessful, the lock will need to be replaced or repaired. A locksmith will have this fixed in no time. Be sure to get a new key made if the broken one was your only key.